A Vision of Values

The terms vision and values may have differing affects on different people depending upon experience. These perfectly innocent words have been bandied around business organisations to such a degree, that eyes can glaze over from the memory of vision and values exercises often going nowhere and having little positive effect.

Even where the terms remain positive, there is often frustration with identifying what a personal vision is and what values support that vision. These terms are often too nebulous to grasp and sometimes may leave an empty feeling given the inability to verbalise an inspiring phrase or carry it around in a back pocket!

Put aside any prejudice and you will find them to be useful allies in the pursuit of purpose both great and small.

Here’s the thing… each term on its own can seem empty, just rhetoric or a motherhood statement. Combine them and you have engagement.

In a business sense vision may be usefully defined as “an observable outcome evidenced by specific criteria, sometimes set in a specific timeframe”. Although this can serve as a useful guideline for a personal vision, the perfectly formed nature of the definition can constrain rather than free your imagination.

Not withstanding the importance of specifics, for some it may be more useful to think of your personal vision as a state of being, being engaged in doing something, or having achieved something. Bottom line though, unless you are engaged and invested in the outcome motivation is absent.

Enter values… simply put values are deep-seated emotional feelings; they are often difficult to express in words. Values embody what is important to you and are supported by your beliefs.

Your values powerfully affect whether you truly align with your vision, and if not considered can prevent you from achieving it.

Vision plus values equals engagement!

It is important to note that it is useful to form a vision that you can strive for and ultimately reach, but will also be experiencing in some way each day. For example, a valued vision built around contributing to world peace is off track if you are continually in conflict with those around you! You must live as the person you want to become.

There is nothing more powerful to move you from pressure into emotional resilience and ultimately achievement than the perspective of a valued vision. This becomes a prime navigational tool to ensure today’s behaviour becomes tomorrows dream, your valued vision.

My business valued vision is to be recognised as the expert in helping leaders move from pressure to emotional resilience.

My personal valued vision is to continue to inspire and be inspired through useful contribution.

In the snippets of useful information I write you will find the thread of my experience, creativity and modus operandi. Should you be ready to activate the fullness of your talent best arrange a meeting with me soon!

Until next time, examine some more free resources, be emotionally resilient and enjoy life in business!